Former Fort Bliss commander Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard has a new job.

The Department of Defense has announced that Pittard, an El Paso native, will be the new deputy commander for U.S. Army Central/Third U.S. Army in Kuwait.

Part of his duties will include overseeing the U.S. military operation in Jordan, which includes about 200 soldiers from Fort Bliss, said Fort Bliss spokesman Maj. Joe Buccino.

"It's an important job and an acknowledgment of his strategic planning ability, his understanding of the complexity of that region and his abilities to lead combined, joint efforts," Buccino said.

Pittard will start his new duties in the next few weeks, Buccino said.

REPORTER

David Burge

Pittard took over as commander of Fort Bliss in July 2010 and then the 1st Armored Division in May 2011. He relinquished both positions on May 23, 2013, to Maj. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland.

Most recently, Pittard has served as the special assistant to the commander at Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Eustis, Va.

Pittard graduated from Eastwood High School in 1977 and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1981.

During his three-decade-plus military career, Pittard has also been the commanding general of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, Calif. He served as the military aide for President Bill Clinton for about two years.

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During his tenure at Fort Bliss, Pittard was credited with strengthening the bond between the installation and El Paso and creating an "open post" where it is easier for civilians to visit Fort Bliss. Under Pittard's watch, Fort Bliss also became one of the busiest deployment and training centers in the military.

In addition, he emphasized environmental projects with an eye toward eventually making Fort Bliss self-sufficient in energy use, water and waste.

Other Pittard-led initiatives included placing a greater emphasis on combating soldier suicides, improving quality of life for soldiers and military families and setting big-picture goals like striving to be the fittest and most resilient community in the Army.

David Burge may be reached at dburge@elpasotimes.com; 546-6126. Follow him on Twitter @dburge1962